Developer finds path to new homes blocked

Council rejects bid to build two homes on path locals say is a right of way, with calls to now improve parking instead

A fresh bid to site highly controversial houses on a century-old path in Perth has been rejected by council officials.

Builders applied to put two houses on the route between Needless Road and Cavendish Avenue in the Craigie area of the city.

The plan had originally been for three houses but this was withdrawn and revised following a public outcry at the loss of the “vital” route between the two streets, which locals believe is a right of way.

In its latest application, developer Friarton Limited vowed to maintain a pedestrian thoroughfare but the new plans have proved just as contentious as the previous application, with residents voicing concerns about the safety of the route.

On Tuesday Perth and Kinross Council refused the application, saying it failed to comply with the local development plan.

Officials said the houses were out of character for the area and did not consider the replacement path to be acceptable due to “conflict between motor vehicles and pedestrians”.

The decision has been welcomed by local councillor Willie Wilson, who had campaigned against the development. He said: “There was very strong local opposition again to the application – it is good to see that the planning service has listened to local opinion.

“There is strong support locally for ensuring that a proper, adequate pathway, which is well surfaced, well lit and safe, is maintained at this site.

“Whilst the application which was refused did include a path, I am not sure if it met the standards that local people wanted to see.

“The refusal means that there could be more public discussion and debate on the matter. I personally would like to see the garages site maintained and renovated.

“There is a very large demand for garage sites and parking in the area – in fact, the parking situation in the last six months has got more acute in Needless Road and Wilson Street.

This site could provide ideal off-street parking and garaging for a dozen or more cars.”

Friarton Ltd did not respond to The Courier’s request for comment.

The path between the two Craigie streets is believed to have existed since the building of 63 and 65 Needless Road 105 years ago.

Picture: Kris Miller. The public footpath linking Needless Road to Cavendish Road is thought to have been in place for 105 years.